MILFORD, Ind. — A Kosciusko County Commissioner said this morning that VeraSun will not purchase land just north of Milford to construct an ethanol plant.
Brad Jackson said a “reliable” source, who wants to be left unnamed, told him that VeraSun chose another location after evaluating factors of both sites. Those factors include community support, local corn supply, transportation, utilities and “other facets.”
The County Commissioners had been waiting on VeraSun to apply to rezone the land for industrial use through the County Board of Zoning Appeals before they made a recommendation.
Jackson said he had yet to make an opinion on whether or not the plant should be constructed in Milford.
“I do always try to keep an open mind,” Jackson said. “We were still in a fact finding mode when the decision was made.”
In a commissioners’ meeting in February, Jackson said the issue had been the largest to come through his office. Gov. Mitch Daniels is aware of the issue and commented on a radio program that a plant shouldn’t go where “local folks truly think it will detract and not add to the quality of life.”
Green signs reading “Ethanol The Right Fuel” and red signs reading “No! Ethanol Fuel Refinery” are spread throughout yards, business windows and fields.
The Kosciusko and Elkhart Farm Bureau co-operatives funded the movement in support of the plant.
Lisa Glon of the Northern Lakes Concerned Citizens Organization, the group opposing the plant, said, “I’m sure I can say on behalf of the entire group that we are thrilled.”
Officials from VeraSun were unavailable for comment this morning.
Jackson, who had a meeting with VeraSun officials last week, said it is unlikely the South Dakota-based company will make an official comment or written statement.
VeraSun took options to purchase two parcels of farmland just north of Milford. One parcel was east of Milford Junction and one was south of Milford Junction.
After the announcement of the ethanol plant proposal was made Milford residents rallied in opposition of the plant. Later, proponents of ethanol also began to organize and pro- and anti-plant signs dotted the community and countryside.
Respond: (574) 533-2151, ext. 310
dave.johnson@goshennews.com
Local News
Milford ethanol plant canceled
- Local News
-
-
Duty changes with birth of LaGrange soldier's son
Usually when people think of American veterans they think of men in uniform. More often today, than in yesteryear, the veteran is a woman. In tune with the times, the military has made accommodations for this increase in female recruits.
-
Fairfield graduates ready for the next step
Fairfield High School held its 44th commencement Friday night in its school gymnasium, handing out 145 diplomas.
-
Westview seniors graduate Friday night
Westview High School held its 46th commencement Friday night in its school gymnasium, handing out 97 diplomas.
-
RV shipments up in April
Wholesale shipments of recreational vehicles rose 9.8 percent in April compared to the same month in 2011.
-
UPDATE: Police release names of two killed in Bristol motorcycle crash
Two Elkhart residents were killed Friday night when the motorcycle they were riding crashed along Ind. 15 as they fled police.
-
Police probe possible fatal crash near Bristol
Elkhart County rescue crews responded to a possible double fatal traffic crash on Ind. 15 just south of C.R. 112 at 9:13 p.m. Friday night. Ind. 15 was closed to non-emergency traffic and a Samaritan medical helicopter landed at the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
-
Goshen teen who shot himself Tuesday arrested for using sawed-off gun in robbery
A 17-year-old male recently admitted to IU Health Goshen Hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound has been arrested in connection with the robbery of a BP gas station in Goshen this past Sunday.
-
Wild phlox can be found this time of year
Nature’s bounty can sometimes produce unexpected beauty in the form of wildflowers that can pop up anywhere and everywhere. They can be some of the most exhilarating because of the unusual colors, the delicacy of the blossoms, or simply their choice of location to grow.
-
Rinker Foundation donates $5,000 for new ‘learning’ toys
SYRACUSE — The kids are happy. The teachers are excited. The director is pleased. Best of all, at Lakeland Learning Center is using new educational toys to prepare preschoolers to hit the ground running in kindergarten.
-
Syracuse town manager says changes can be difficult
SYRACUSE — Local residents want to know when the piers will be put in for those who swim near the Oakwood Inn. Other concerns revolve around trees on the property, the new waste management and water bills being sent since the town annexed the area several months ago.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
